Under $100: Cologne

Start your day in Cologne with a quick breakfast in the city center at Funkhaus, where you can find an array of breakfast fare for less than €10, along with a pot of fresh tea for €4.80.

Cologne Cathedral © Michel Dreher | Dreamstime

You’ll want to head straightaway for the one attraction in Cologne that overtakes the city skyline as the second-tallest building — Cologne Cathedral. With construction beginning in 1248, the cathedral became a religious destination for pilgrims coming from all over Europe, as it was once believed to hold the remains of the Three Wise Men. You can view the main hall for free, and pay a few euros to climb the tower.

Head to Hohenzollern Bridge to profess your love for your significant other by adding a padlock to the thousands already hanging. Single for the time being? Just use the opportunity as the perfect sightseeing photo op.

Hohenzollern Bridge © Sjors737 | Dreamstime

Visit the Cologne Chocolate Museum for only €9 (or free, if it’s your birthday!). The various exhibits cover the history and production of chocolate and there are a variety of chocolate-themed artifacts and memorabilia on display.

Grab dinner at Salon Schmitz, where you’ll find plenty of dining options spread across three historic row houses, many for around €10. Whether you want to take your food back to your hotel with you, lounge at the Art Nouveau bar, have a quiet meal in the café or dance the night away in the additional basement bar and music venue, you can do it all at Salon Schmitz.